1. You can't drive fast enough when you have the extra set of keys

When Ben locked his keys in his car while at a gas station in North East Minneapolis and I have his extra set with me in Savage, the traffic is going to be invariably horrific. He was anxious to see me by the time I got there! Not to mention the fact he knew all the motor oil brands and the line up of the candy.

2. Get to BHS about 30 minutes before you have to be there

That school is so big! I’ve had a few interviews there now, and I always show up to the school on time, but not knowing exactly where the media center, cafeteria, language commons, or room next to the room behind the left of the gym is, it looked like I showed up late (sorry teams). I need a map I can hold, not one that I have to stare at posted on the wall.

3. What’s in a name?

Coming from a girl who has an unusual spelling of a fairly usual name, this may sound a bit strange, but hear me out. I’ve proudly put my by-line on almost every story I write, granted there have been a few times where I have gotten into it with editor and requested my name be taken off the byline and even taken it off the staff list in the print copy when I felt my integrity as a journalist and editor was compromised, (yes, this was all in college where ideals and hopes rule the world and I was a romantic mind with a sunny aura and strong foot when I put it down, but nonetheless, I was standing on it). But I think it’s true, statements are more powerful when a name is attached. What has more weight with you? “a friend close to the man said,” or “Laura Bush said”?  I think if statements are going to be made and said in a way that people should consider them weighty, then they need to be attached to a person.

4. Don’t be deceived by a day or two in the 40s

Somewhere in my life I became keenly aware of the temperatures, it certainly wasn’t when I was 5 and could play in the snow for hours and come in, drink some hot chocolate with little marshmallows and be all warmed up. It must have been sometime in college cause there were days that were too cold to go outside and walk the three quarters of a mile to campus and go to class. Now, with my car sometimes parked blocks away from my apartment, I don’t have a choice but to come to work and it’s so cold. I’ve layered and layered to no avail. Then, suddenly, let the clouds part and the sunshine come in and throw in a “hallelujah” it’s 40 degrees out! I’m ready to go out in just long sleeves. No less than three days later and old man winter is back again. I wish he’d just go for good now.

5. Classes aren’t over

While the cap and gown have been stored away and the diploma is displayed, I’m still taking classes. This past month, I’ve taken a photography class (hosted by the company) and a massage therapy class for couples. I guess I kind of always knew this about myself, but I can’t stop the learning. I enjoy classes and things I get out of it. Even if they are “Here’s how to force the flash off” and “People like it when you massage their shoulder blades too.”

Anyone have any additions to things they learned in February?